buckthorn
(ˈbʌkθɔːn)
[f. buck n.1 + thorn. App. Lyte's translation of the It. and mod.L. names.]
The shrub Rhamnus catharticus; the berries of which yield sap-green and other pigments, and were formerly used as a powerful cathartic.
| 1578 Lyte Dodoens vi. xxx. 810 The Italians do call it Spino Merlo, some call it Spino ceruino..and of Valerius Cordus, Cerui spina: we may well call it in English, Bucke Thorne. 1579 Langham Gard. Health (1633) 99 Bvckthorne, the beries do purge downwards mightily flegme and choller. 1753 Chambers Cycl. Supp. s.v., Of buckthorn berries are made three several sorts of colours. 1859 W. Coleman Woodlands (1862) 122 On chalky or loamy soils, we may occasionally find the Buckthorn growing in considerable plenty. |